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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Objection: “Why isn't the grace of God given in accordance with human deserts?” I reply: because God is merciful. Objection: “Then why not to all?” I reply: because God is a judge. Accordingly, grace is given by Him gratuitously, and His just judgment in other cases shows what grace confers on those to whom it is given. Thus let us not be ungrateful that the merciful God, “according to the pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace” [Eph. 2:5–6], sets so many free from a perdition that is owed to such an extent that He would not be unjust if He did not set anyone free from it. From one all have been sentenced to undergo a condemnation that is not unjust but just. Therefore, anyone who is set free should take delight in grace; anyone who is not set free should recognize what is owed. If there is goodness in remitting what is owed, and equity in exacting it, then iniquity is never found in God.
Objection: “Why is His judgment so different not only in the case of young children, but in one and the same case of twins?” Is that not similar to the question: Why is His judgment the same in different cases? Let us recall, then, those workers in the vineyard. Some toiled the whole day long, some worked for a single hour. To be sure, the cases differ in the expenditure of labor.
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